Beacon Answers Darby’s Questions on Dove Creek Data Center

Beacon Data Centers CEO David Lane and Executive Vice President Joseph Shovlin responded to questions from Texas state Rep. Drew Darby about the proposed Westline Energy & Infrastructure Campus near Dove Creek in Tom Green County. Beacon said the multibillion-dollar project would use natural-gas reciprocating engines for primary power rather than draw from the grid, with any future interconnection subject to ERCOT approval. The company also projected average annual water use of about 55 acre-feet through a closed-loop cooling system, using an existing surface-water right and no groundwater or brackish water.

The project remains in preliminary site planning and permitting. Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to halt review of Beacon’s pending permit applications as state agencies examine data-center impacts on the electric grid and water supplies. Beacon said the campus could create more than 1,200 peak construction jobs and at least 300 permanent positions, and proposed development commitments involving local hiring, emergency services, road improvements and site restoration. Darby, who previously urged Beacon to withdraw its permits over communication concerns, said he welcomed the governor’s attention and solicited residents’ comments.